How to Choose Stencil Paints and Brushes

When putting your creative talent to use with stencils, make sure you're using the right tools for the job.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Stencil Brushes
• Stencil Paints
• Stencils
• Alphabet Stencils
• Fabric Paints

Selecting Stencil Applicators

1. Use a stiff stencil brush for dabbing paint onto surfaces.
2. Use a soft stencil brush for rubbing or swirling paint onto surfaces.
3. Use a very soft stencil brush for blending colors onto surfaces.
4. Use smaller stencil brushes for smaller stencil openings and larger stencil brushes for larger stencil openings.
5. Use high-density foam rollers that are rounded at the ends for broad shading and quick applications. After you have applied paint with roller, use a stencil brush for detailed blending.
6. Use cellulose or sea sponges to achieve a multicolored look or when stenciling stone urns or balustrades.

Selecting Stencil Paints

7. Use acrylic and latex paints for surfaces that have a water-based finish coat.
8. Use oil-based paints for surfaces that have an oil-based finish coat.
9. Add glaze to make paint blend more smoothly.
10. Use solid stencil sticks and stencil crayons if you are concerned about paint bleeding under stencils. They blend well but smudge easily.
11. Use fabric paints on cloth and paper.
12. Use an extender glaze to slow drying time and to make paint more opaque.
13. Use an acrylic glaze tinted with raw umber to create shadows.

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